Electronic door system with a lin-subbus

ABSTRACT

Load type electrical parts incorporated in auxiliary machine modules  164   a  to  184   a  are driven by electrical connectors  160   a  to  180   a  having communicating units, control units and load driving units mounted on electronic boards. An electronic door control unit  200   a  connected to a sub bus connected to the electrical connectors  160   a  to  180   a  converts the communication protocol of a control signal of the load type electrical parts received from a LAN in a vehicle serving as a main bus of the vehicle to the communication protocol of the sub bus and transmits the protocol converted control signal to the electrical connectors  160   a  to  180   a.  Further, sensors or switches in the auxiliary machine modules  164   a  to  184   a  output signals to the control units.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electronic door system for drivingelectrical parts for a vehicle mounted on the door of the vehicle and aharness system for a vehicle using the electronic door system.

BACKGROUND ART

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing an electronic door system in avehicle in a related art. The electronic door system of FIG. 10 shows anexample of a vehicle having four doors. Door ECUs (Electronic ControlUnit) 200 a to 200 d are respectively mounted on doors. The four doorECUs 200 a to 200 d are connected together by a LAN (Local Area Network)(main bus) communicated by a protocol such as a CAN (Controller AreaNetwork) or a BEAN (Body Electronics Area Network) or the like.

The right front door ECU 200 a controls a right front outer (remotecontrol) mirror module 264 a disposed in the door, a right front doorlock module 274 a, a right front power window module 284 a, a rightfront power window switch module 244 a, a right front curtsy lamp 254 aand a curtsy lamp switch 294 a disposed in the vehicle. The right reardoor has the same structure as that of the right front door except theouter mirror module 264 a. The structures of the left front door and theleft rear door have the same structures as those of the right front andright rear doors. In the vehicle, an outer (remote control) mirrorswitch 214 is further provided and connected to a vehicle body ECU 210.

Load driving parts for driving motors or heaters in auxiliary equipmentmodules 264 to 284 such as outer mirror modules 264, door lock modules274, etc. and sensors or switches and I/O parts for inputting/outputtingsignals in the auxiliary equipment modules 264 to 284 are contained inthe door ECUs 200. The load driving parts and the I/O parts areconnected to each of electrical parts in the auxiliary equipment modules264 to 284 by wire harnesses. Further, the door ECU 200 includes acentralized control part for controlling the auxiliary equipment modules264 to 284 connected thereto and a communication part for communicatingwith other ECUs. Accordingly, when the outer mirror switch 214 is turnedON/OFF, the vehicle body ECU 210 transmits a control signal from thecommunication part incorporated therein to the right front and leftfront doors ECU 200 a and ECU 200 c. The doors ECU 200 a and ECU 200 cdecode the control signal in the centralized control parts incorporatedtherein and instruct the load driving parts of the outer mirror modules264 a and 264 c contained therein to operate outer mirrors.

As the related art which is related to the present invention, theapplicant of the present invention discloses in JP-A-2001-287605 a wireharness connected to a LAN for an option that even when the form of avehicle is different, a basic main controller can be made common and acost can be reduced. In the Patent Document 1, electrical parts for avehicle are controlled through a gate wire harness from a sub ECU.

A usual electronic door system for a vehicle has such problems asdescribed below. Firstly, when the specifications and functions ofelectrical load parts related to a door change, a wire harness connectedto each ECU needs to be changed. Thus, the kinds and product numbers ofwire harnesses are undesirably increased.

Secondly, when the functions of the electrical load parts related to thedoor increase, the number of circuits is increased and the wireharnesses are enlarged. As a result, a mass is undesirably increased.

Thirdly, owing to the centralized control by the ECUs, the increase ofthe functions of the electrical load parts related to the doorundesirably causes the ECUs to be enlarged, the mass to be increased(the deterioration of a fuel efficiency and a traveling performance) andloading characteristics to be deteriorated. Further, software with whichthe ECUs are loaded is enlarged and the product numbers of the ECUs areincreased. Consequently, the number of development processes isinconveniently increased and the number of specification adding andchanging processes is undesirably increased.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

With the above-described problems taken into consideration, the presentinvention is proposed and it is an object of the present invention toprovide an electronic door system in which the functions of a usual ECUare distributed to respectively standardize the functions to individualfunctions and a wire harness can be simplified, the number of lines canbe decreased and the weight of the wire harness can be reduced, and aharness system for a vehicle using the electronic door system.

Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide anelectronic door system that can flexibly meet the change (difference inspecification such as design, grade, etc.) of functions in an electricalload parts side related to a door and a harness system for a vehicleusing the electronic door system.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the presentinvention, there is provided an electronic door system, comprising:

an auxiliary equipment module, provided on a door of a vehicle, andincluding an electrical parts which has at least one of a motor, a lamp,a heater, a sensor and a switch; and

an electronic connector, connected to the auxiliary equipment module todrive a load type electrical parts which has at least one of the motor,the lamp and the heater in the auxiliary equipment module, andincluding:

-   -   a communicating unit, receiving a control signal for controlling        the driving of the load type electrical parts;    -   a control unit, generating a drive signal for driving the load        type electrical parts in accordance with either the control        signal received by the communicating unit or a signal inputted        from the sensor and the switch in the auxiliary equipment        module; and    -   a load driving unit, driving the load type electrical parts in        accordance with the drive signal generated by the control unit.

In the above configuration, the load type electrical parts incorporatedin the auxiliary equipment module is driven by the electronic connectorhaving the communicating unit, the control unit and the load drivingunit mounted on electronic board. Thus, the functions of the usual ECU(electronic control unit) for performing a centralized control can bedistributed to standardize the respective functions to individualfunctions. Consequently, for the increase and enhanced functions of theelectrical load parts related to a door, the electronic connectors canabsorb the changes thereof to minimize the influence thereof to otherelectronic connector, electronic door control unit and wire harness.

Preferably, the electronic door system further includes an electronicdoor control unit, provided on the door, connected to a LAN in thevehicle serving as a main bus, and connected to a sub bus connected tothe electronic connector. The electronic door control unit converts acommunication protocol of the control signal received through the LAN inthe vehicle to a communication protocol of the sub bus, and transmitsthe protocol converted control signal to the electronic connector.

In the above configuration, the electronic door control unit having agateway function of the main bus and the sub bus converts the protocolof the control signal and transmits the converted control signal to theelectronic connectors 160 a to 180 a. Thus, the main bus and the sub buscan form a layered network. For instance, when the main bus uses atransmitting medium having a high specification and the sub uses atransmitting medium of low cost, a low cost can be realized whiledesired communication speed is maintained.

Preferably, the electronic connector is directly connected to theauxiliary equipment module.

In the above configuration, the electronic connector is directlyconnected to the auxiliary equipment module (for instance, fitted andconnected). Thus, while the electronic door control unit has beenhitherto directly wired to the electrical parts in the auxiliaryequipment module, the electronic connector directly connected to theauxiliary equipment module may be wired to the electronic door controlunit. Thus, the wire harness can be simplified, the number of lines ofthe wire harnesses can be decreased and the weight of the wire harnesscan be reduced.

Here, it is preferable that, the electronic door control unit isconnected to the electronic connectors by a power supply line, a GNDline and a dedicated communication line as the sub bus.

In the above configuration, three wire harnesses of the power supplyline, the GND line and the dedicated communication line can form a lowerorder from the electronic door control unit. Thus, the wire harness canbe simplified, the number of lines can be decreased and the weight ofthe wire harness can be reduced.

Here, it is preferable that, the electronic door control unit isconnected to the electronic connectors by a power supply line and a GNDline. The control signal is superposed on the power supply line as thesub bus, and is transmitted to the electronic connector.

In the above configuration, the control signal is superposed on thepower supply line to perform a communication. Thus, the two wireharnesses of the power supply line and the GND line can form a lowerorder from the electronic door control unit. The wire harness can besimplified, the number of lines can be decreased and the weight of thewire harness can be reduced.

Here, it is preferable that, the auxiliary equipment module has aplurality of auxiliary equipment modules; and

wherein two auxiliary equipment modules of the auxiliary equipmentmodules is a door lock module and a power window module.

In the above configuration, the electronic door system with which thedoor lock module and the power window module are loaded in a standardform can be provided.

Preferably, the auxiliary equipment module has a plurality of auxiliaryequipment modules. Three auxiliary equipment modules of the auxiliaryequipment modules is an outer mirror module, a door lock module and apower window module.

In the above configuration, the electronic door system with which theouter mirror module, the door lock module and the power window moduleare loaded in a standard form can be provided.

According to the present invention, there is also provided an electronicdoor system, comprising:

an auxiliary equipment module, provided on a door of a vehicle, andincluding an electrical parts which has at least one of a motor, a lamp,a heater, a sensor and a switch, and the auxiliary equipment moduleincluding:

-   -   a communicating unit, receiving a control signal for controlling        the driving of a load type electrical parts which has at least        one of the motor, the lamp and the heater in the auxiliary        equipment module;    -   a control unit, generating a drive signal for driving the load        type electrical parts in accordance with either the control        signal received by the communicating unit or a signal inputted        from the sensor and the switch in the auxiliary equipment        module; and    -   a load driving unit, driving the load type electrical parts in        accordance with the drive signal generated by the control unit.

In the above configuration, the auxiliary equipment module having loadtype electrical parts contained therein incorporate electronic board onwhich the communicating unit, the control unit and the load driving unitare mounted to drive the load type electrical parts by the electronicboard. Thus, the functions of the usual electronic control unit forperforming a centralized control can be distributed to respectivelystandardize the functions to individual functions. Consequently, for theincrease and enhanced functions of the electrical load parts related toa door, the auxiliary equipment module can absorb the changes thereof tominimize the influence thereof to other electronic connectors,electronic door control units and wire harnesses.

Preferably, the electronic door system further comprise an electronicdoor control unit, provided correspondingly to the door, connected to aLAN in the vehicle serving as a main bus, and connected to a sub busconnected to the auxiliary equipment module. The electronic door controlunit converts a communication protocol of the control signal receivedthrough the LAN in the vehicle to a communication protocol of the subbus, and transmits the protocol converted control signal to theauxiliary equipment module.

In the above configuration, the electronic door control unit having agateway function of the main bus and the sub bus converts the protocolof the control signal and transmits the converted control signal to theauxiliary equipment module. Thus, the main bus and the sub bus can forma layered network. For instance, when the main bus uses a transmittingmedium having a high specification and the sub bus uses a transmittingmedium of low cost, a low cost can be realized while desiredcommunication speed is maintained.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a harnesssystem for a vehicle, comprising:

a plurality of the electronic door systems; and

the LAN in the vehicle connected to the electronic door control unit ofeach electronic door system.

In the above configuration, the plurality of electronic door systems andthe LAN in the vehicle connected to the electronic door control units ofeach electronic door system form the harness system for the vehicle.Thus, for the increase and improved functions of the electrical loadparts related to the door, the electronic connectors can absorb thechanges thereof to minimize the influence thereof to other electronicconnectors, the electronic door control units, the wire harnesses andthe LAN inn the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects and advantages of the present invention will becomemore apparent by describing in detail preferred exemplary embodimentsthereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing an electronic door system (acommunication line system) according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing an electronic door system (apower-supply superposition multiplex system) according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an electronic connector in theembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the inner structure of a communicationpart when the power-supply superposition multiplex system is employed;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the basic concept of anauxiliary equipment module in the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one example of a circuit structure (thecommunication system) on an electronic board contained in the electronicconnector or the auxiliary equipment module in the embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one example of a circuit structure (thepower-supply superposition multiplex system) on an electronic boardcontained in the electronic connector or the auxiliary equipment modulein the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a general appearance of theelectronic connector (the communication line system) in the embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a general appearance of theelectronic connector (the power-supply superposition multiplex system)in the embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing an electronic door system of arelated art.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail byreferring to the accompanying drawings.

Before an electronic door system according to the embodiment of thepresent invention is described, electronic connectors and auxiliaryequipment modules used in the electronic door system will be initiallydescribed.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a basic concept of theelectronic connector in an embodiment of the present invention. Anelectronic connector 110 directly connected to the connector of a sensor114 includes a communication part 111, a control part 112 and an I/Opart 113 mounted on an electronic board contained therein. An electronicconnector 120 directly connected to a switch SW124 also includes acommunication part 121, a control part 122 and an I/O part 123 mountedon an electronic board contained therein. An electronic connector 130directly connected to a load (lamp, motor, etc.) 134 includes acommunication part 131, a control part 132 and a driving part 133mounted on an electronic board contained therein. An electronicconnector 140 directly connected to an auxiliary equipment module 144includes a communication part 141, a control part 142, an I/O part 143 aand a driving part 143 b mounted on an electronic board containedtherein.

The auxiliary equipment module 144 has auxiliary equipments forrealizing functions as well as the basic functions of a vehicle (forinstance, a power window, a door lock, an outer mirror, etc.) as modulescomposed of a plurality of electrical parts. For instance, the auxiliaryequipment module for realizing the power window includes at least onemotor capable of rotating and reversing and two switches.

As described above, the combinations of a plurality of various kinds ofelectrical parts (motors, lamps, heaters, switches, sensors, etc.) formthe auxiliary equipment module 144. The switches and the sensors ofthese electrical parts are connected to the I/O part 143 a of theelectronic connector 140 and monitored by the control part 142. Further,load type electrical parts such as motors, laps, etc. of the electricalparts are connected to the driving part 143 b of the electronicconnector 140 and driven. Here, the I/O part 143 a of the electronicconnector 140 is not necessary when the sensors or switches are notpresent in the auxiliary equipment module 144.

The communication parts 111 to 141 of the electronic connectorsrespectively communicate a control signal with other electronicconnectors, ECUs or other systems by using a communication line or apower supply line to perform a communication therewith. As acommunication protocol, a LIN (local interconnect network) or the likemay be employed. Further, the communication parts can communicate withdevices on a CAN (Control Area Network) through a gateway device fromthe LIN and devices on the LIN ahead the CAN.

The control part 112 receives a sensor signal of the sensor 114 such asa sensor for monitoring the state of the load 134 or a temperaturesensor through the I/O part 113. The control part 112 performs a processon the received sensor signal such as attaching to the sensor signaladdresses of other electronic connectors, the ECUs or the devices ofother systems to which the signal is to be transmitted and outputs theprocessed sensor signal to the communication part 111 as a controlsignal.

When a user turns ON/OFF the switch SW124, the control part 122 receivesan ON/OFF signal through the I/O part 123. The control part 122processes the received ON/OFF signal such as attaching to the signaladdresses of other electronic connectors, the ECUs or the devices ofother systems to which the ON/OFF signal is to be transmitted andoutputs the processed ON/OFF signal to the communication part 121 as acontrol signal.

The control part 132 receives a control signal for driving the load 134from other electronic connectors, the ECUs or the devices of othersystems through the communication part 131. The control part 132controls the driving part 133 for driving the load 134 in accordancewith the received control signal. The driving part 133 drives the load134 such as lamps or motors, etc. by a semiconductor element such as anMOSFET. Further, the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control of the load134 such as the adjustment of the speed of the motor can be performed.

When the sensors or the switches exist in the auxiliary equipment module144, the control part 142 receives the sensor signal or the ON/OFFsignal through the I/O part 143 a. When the received sensor signal orthe ON/OFF signal is a signal for a load in the same auxiliary equipmentmodule 144, the control part 142 instructs the driving part 143 b todrive the load. Further, when the received sensor signal or the ON/OFFis a signal for a load that does not exist in the same auxiliaryequipment module 144, the control part 142 processes the received sensorsignal or the ON/OFF signal such as attaching to the signal theaddresses of other electronic connectors, the ECUs or the devices ofother systems to which the signal is to be transmitted and outputs theprocessed signal to the communication part 141 as a control signal.

Further, when the load exists in the auxiliary equipment module 144, thecontrol part 142 receives the control signal for driving the load fromother electronic connectors, the ECUs, or the devices of other systemsthrough the communication part 141. The control part 142 controls thedriving part 143 b for driving the load on the basis of the receivedcontrol signal.

The electronic connectors 110 to 140 are respectively connected to apower supply line (battery line +B) and a GND line. Since the electronicconnectors 110 to 140 are directly connected to the sensor 114, theswitch SW124, the load 134 and the auxiliary equipment module 144,joints of power sources and earth are absorbed by electronic boardscontained in the electronic connectors 110 to 140. The communicationparts 111 to 141 of the electronic connectors 110 to 140 arerespectively connected to a communication line. Here, when apower-supply superposition multiplex system is used for a communication,the communication line is not necessary. In that case, the communicationparts 111 to 141 are connected to the power supply line.

Here, the power-supply superposition multiplex system will be describedbelow. The power-supply superposition multiplex system means a systemthat the communication is superposed on the power supply line totransmit a signal without using an exclusive communication line. FIG. 4is a block diagram showing the inner structure of the communication part111 when the power-supply superposition multiplex system is employed.The communication part 111 includes a transmitting circuit 111 a, areceiving circuit 111 b and a superposed circuit 111 c.

The transmitting circuit 11 a performs, for instance, an ASK (AmplitudeShift Keying) modulation to pulse type transmit data inputted from thecontrol part 112 and outputs the modulated transmit data to thesuperposed circuit 111 c. The superposed circuit 111 c superposes themodulated signal inputted from the transmitting circuit 111 a on thepower supply line. Further, the superposed circuit 111 c separates asignal addressed to its own electronic connector from the signalsuperposed on the power supply line and outputs this signal to thereceiving circuit 111 b. The receiving circuit 111 b demodulates thesignal inputted from the superposed circuit 111 c and outputs a pulsetype digital signal to the control part 112 as receive data.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a basic concept of anauxiliary equipment module in the embodiment of the present invention.The auxiliary equipment module 150 of the embodiment includes acommunication part 151, a control part 152, an I/O part 153 a and adriving part 153 b mounted on an electronic board incorporated therein.The auxiliary equipment module 150 is connected to a power supply line(battery line+B) and a GND line. The communication part 151 of theauxiliary equipment module 150 is connected to a communication line.Here, when the power-supply superposition multiplex system is employedfor a communication, this communication line is not necessary.

The functions of the communication part 151, the control part 152, theI/O part 153 a and the driving part 153 b mounted on the electronicboard contained in the auxiliary equipment module 150 are the same asthose of the members contained in the electronic connector 140.Therefore, an explanation thereof is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one example of a circuit structure(communication line mode) mounted on the electronic board contained inthe electronic connector or the auxiliary equipment module in theembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the load134 is a motor 134 a, an example of the electronic connector directlyconnected to the motor 134 a will be described. The electronic connectorshown in FIG. 6 includes a transmitting circuit 131 a, a receivingcircuit 131 b, a microcomputer 132 a, a control IC 132 b and an H-bridgecircuit 133 composed of MOS type field effect transistors (MOS 1 to 4).When the load 134 is a lamp, a single MOS type field effect transistorcan drive the load.

A power supply line for supplying battery power supplies the batterypower to the control IC 132 b and the H-bridge circuit 133. Thetransmitting circuit 131 a modulates a pulse type digital signalinputted from the microcomputer 132 a and outputs the modulated signalto a communication line. The receiving circuit 131 b receives a controlsignal addressed to itself from the communication line, demodulates thecontrol signal and outputs the demodulated control signal to themicrocomputer 132 a.

The control IC 132 b is a custom IC such as an ASIC (ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit) or the like. The control IC 132 b includesa high side MOS driver not shown for driving the MOS1 and the MOS3, acharge pump not shown for boosting voltage supplied to the high side MOSdriver and a low side MOS driver not shown for driving the MOS2 and theMOS4 to control the normal rotation and reversal of the motor 134 a.Here, the transmitting circuit 131 a and the receiving circuit 131 b maybe incorporated in the control IC 132 b in the drawing to form an IC andfurther the microcomputer 132 a may be incorporated in the control IC132 b to form an IC.

The microcomputer 132 a decodes the control signal inputted from thereceiving circuit 131 b and outputs the decided control signal to thehigh side MOS driver and the low side MOS driver. Further, when themicrocomputer 132 a needs to transmit the control signal to otherelectronic connectors or the ECUs, the microcomputer outputs the controlsignal to the transmitting circuit 131 a.

In the H-bridge circuit 133, when the motor 134 a is normally rotated,the MOS1 and the MOS4 are turned ON and the MOS2 and the MOS3 are turnedOFF. When the motor 134 a is reversed, the MOS2 and the MOS3 are turnedON and the MOS1 and the MOS4 are turned OFF. Accordingly, when the motor134 a is normally rotated, the high side MOS driver turns MOS1 ON andthe MOS3 OFF. When the motor 134 a is reversed, the high side MOS driverturns MOS1 OFF and the MOS3 ON. When the motor 134 a is normallyrotated, the low side MOS driver turns the MOS2 OFF and the MOS4 ON.When the motor 134 a is reversed, the low side MOS driver turns the MOS2ON and the MOS4 OFF.

When the speed of the motor 134 a needs to be controlled, a PWM controlcircuit not shown in the drawing is provided in the control IC 132 b.The PWM control circuits are provided in the pre-stages of the high sideMOS driver and the low side MOS driver to output PWM wave forms havingarbitrary duty ratio to the high side MOS driver and the low side MOSdriver.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one example of a circuit structure(power-supply superposition multiplex system) mounted on the electronicboard contained in the electronic connector or the auxiliary equipmentmodule in the embodiment of the present invention. The electronicconnector shown in FIG. 7 includes a transmitting circuit 131 a, areceiving circuit 131 b, a filter 131 d, a microcomputer 132 a, acontrol IC 132 b and an H-bridge circuit 133 composed of MOS type fieldeffect transistors (MOS 1 to 4).

The filter 131 d is a band-pass filter for filtering a band for carryinga control signal superposed on a power supply line. The filter 131 doutputs the signal filtered the band to the receiving circuit 131 b.Other elements are the same as those of the communication line system.Accordingly, the explanation of them is omitted.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the general appearance of theelectronic connector (the communication line system) in the embodimentof the present invention. The electronic connector shows one example ofthe electronic connectors connected to the auxiliary equipment modules.The electronic connector 140 has a socket 160 into which the three wireharnesses of the power supply line, the GND line and the communicationline are inserted. The electronic connector 140 is connected to theauxiliary equipment module 144 in such a manner that pins of theauxiliary equipment module 144 are fitted and connected to the socket170 of the electronic connector 140. The form of the electronicconnector 140 shown in FIG. 8 simply illustrates one example. Theelectronic connector may be formed in various shapes so as to meet theauxiliary equipment module 144. In the electronic connector 140, anelectronic board on which ICs (ASIC, or the like) or semiconductorswitching elements are mounted is incorporated.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a general appearance of theelectronic connector (the power-supply superposition multiplex system)in the embodiment of the present invention. The electronic connector 140has a socket 160 into which the two wire harnesses of the power supplyline and the GND line are inserted. Other elements are the same as thosein the communication line system. Thus, the explanation of them isomitted. Since wires have been hitherto laid from the ECU to individualelectrical parts in the auxiliary equipment module 144, about ten wireharnesses have been required. However, the electronic connector of thepresent invention is used so that the number of wire harnesses can bereduced to two or three.

Now, the electronic door system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagramshowing the electronic door system (the communication line system)according to the embodiment of the present invention. The electronicdoor system shown in FIG. 1 shows an example of a four-door vehicle.Door ECUs 200 a to 200 d having gateway functions are respectivelymounted on the doors. The four door ECUs 200 a to 200 d serving ascommunication masters are connected together by the LAN (the main bus)in the vehicle in which a communication is performed by a protocol suchas the CAN or the BEAN, etc. The door ECUs 200 a to 200 d may not bemounted on the door sides, and may be mounted on a body side.

A right front door ECU 200 a is connected to electronic connectors 160 ato 180 a respectively directly connected to right front auxiliaryequipment modules 164 a to 184 a by a power supply line, a GND line anda communication line (a sub bus) in which a communication is performedby a protocol such as the LIN (Local Interconnect Network). Theelectronic connectors 160 a to 180 a serve as slave machines relative tothe door ECU 200 a. The electronic connector 160 a is connected to aright front outer mirror (a remote control mirror) module 164 a by ashort power supply line. The electronic connector 170 a is directlyconnected to a right front door lock module 174 a. The electronicconnector 180 a is directly connected to a right front power windowmodule 184 a.

Further, the door ECU 200 a is directly connected to a right front powerwindow switch 244 a. The door ECU 200 a incorporates therein a loaddriving part for driving a curtsy lamp 254 a disposed in a right frontdoor. The door ECU 200 a is connected to the curtsy lamp 254 a by ashort power supply line. Further, the door ECU 200 a contains therein anI/O part for transmitting a signal to and receiving a signal from acurtsy lamp switch 294 a disposed in the vehicle. The door ECU 200 a isconnected to the curtsy lamp switch 294 a by a short power supply line.The curtsy lamp 254 a, the load driving part for driving the curtsylamp, the curtsy lamp switch 294 a and the I/O part for communicatingthe signal with the curtsy lamp switch 294 a may not be provided.

A right rear door has the same structure as that of the right front doorexcept the outer mirror module 164 a. Left front and left rear doorshave the same structures as those of the right front and right reardoors. Further, in the vehicle, an outer (remote control) mirror switch214 is disposed and connected to a vehicle body ECU 210. The outermirror switch 214 includes a switch for storing/returning an outermirror and a switch for moving a mirror surface upward and downward andrightward and leftward. When a heater is attached to the outer mirrormodule 164 a, the outer mirror switch also includes a switch of theheater.

The outer mirror module 164 a includes a motor for storing/returning amirror, a motor for moving a mirror surface upward/downward, a motor formoving a mirror surface rightward/leftward and the heater. The outermirror module 164 a is not limited to this structure. The outer mirrormodule 164 a may include a sensor or a lamp and may not include theheater.

The door lock module 174 a includes a motor and two switches. The doorlock module 174 a is not limited to this structure. The motor may bedivided into a locking motor and a closer motor. The door lock module174 a may include switches such as a plurality of cam switches, afull-latch switch, a half-latch switch, a key switch (for locking), akey switch (for unlocking), etc.

The power window module 184 a includes a motor capable of rotating andreversing, a pulse sensor and a limit switch.

The electronic connector 160 a includes a load driving part for drivingthe outer mirror module 164 a, a control part for controlling the outermirror module 164 a and a communication part for communicating with theouter mirror switch 214 through the door ECU 200 a and the vehicle bodyECU 210. The communication part can communicate with other electronicconnectors or other ECUs. When the outer mirror switch 214 is turnedON/OFF, an I/O part incorporated in the vehicle body ECU 210 detects it.A control part incorporated in the vehicle body ECU 210 generates acontrol signal and a communication part incorporated therein transmitsthe control signal to the door ECU 200 a through the main bus (forinstance, CAN).

A communication part contained in the door ECU 200 a receives thecontrol signal from the main bus (for instance, the CAN). A control partcontained in the door ECU 200 a converts the communication protocol ofthe received control signal and outputs the converted control signal tothe communication part. The communication part transmits the controlsignal to a destination (the electronic connector 160 a) of the controlsignal through the sub bus (for instance, the LIN).

The communication part contained in the electronic connector 160 aseparates the control signal directed to itself from the sub bus. Thecontrol part contained in the electronic connector 160 a decodes theseparated control signal. The load driving part contained in theelectronic connector 160 a drives the motor in the outer mirror module164 a in accordance with the decoded control signal. For instance, whenthe control signal is a signal for instructing the outer mirror to bestored, the load driving part rotates the motor for storing/returningthe motor to store the outer mirror.

In the electronic connector 170 a and the electronic connector 180 a,communication parts contained therein likewise receive control signalstransmitted from other electronic connectors or the ECUs through the subbus. Control parts contained therein decode the control signals and loaddriving parts contained therein respectively drive motors in the doorlock module 174 a and the power window module 184 a. For the right reardoor, the same control is performed except the control of the outermirror module 164 a. Left front and left rear doors are controlled inthe same manner as those of the right front and right rear doors.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing an electronic door system (thepower-supply superposition multiplex system) according to an embodimentof the present invention. The electronic door system shown in FIG. 2 hasthe basically same structure as that of the electronic door system shownin FIG. 1. The electronic door system shown in FIG. 2 is different fromthe electronic door system shown in FIG. 1 from the viewpoint that thepower supply line is used as a sub bus without using the communicationline.

Accordingly, when a communication part contained in a door ECU 200receives from a main bus a control signal directed to electronicconnectors 160 to 180 serving as the slave devices of itself, a controlpart contained in the door ECU 200 converts the communication protocolof the received control signal and transmits the converted controlsignal to the communication part. The communication part superposes thecontrol signal on a power supply line as a sub bus and transmits thesuperposed control signal to the destinations (the electronic connectors160 to 180) of the control signal.

Communication parts contained in the electronic connectors 160 to 180respectively separate the control signal superposed on the power supplyline (the sub bus). Control parts contained in the electronic connectors160 to 180 respectively decode the separated control signal and loaddriving parts contained therein respectively drive motors or heaters ofauxiliary equipment modules 164 to 184 in accordance with the decodedcontrol signal. Other structures and operations are the same as those ofthe electronic door system shown in FIG. 1.

The above-described embodiment shows one example of preferredembodiments of the present invention. The present invention is notlimited thereto and various modifications may be made within a scopewithout departing the gist thereof.

In FIG. 1 and 2, an example that the electronic connectors 160 to 180directly connected to the auxiliary equipment modules 164 to 184 orconnected thereto by a short power supply line incorporate electronicboards on which ICs or semiconductor switching elements for controllingthe auxiliary equipment modules 164 to 184 are mounted is described.However, the electronic boards may be mounted in the auxiliary equipmentmodules 164 to 184. In that case, the electronic connectors 160 to 180do not need to be provided. Other structures and operations are the sameas those described by referring to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Further, an example that the outer mirror, the door lock, the powerwindow, and the curtsy lamp are mounted, as the auxiliary equipments, onthe above-described electronic door system is described. However, theauxiliary equipments are not limited to the combinations of them andsuch auxiliary equipments as an easy door closer, a smart key, an RFspeaker, etc. may be mounted on the electronic door system.

Further, the individual auxiliary equipments mounted on the electronicdoor system are driven by any of the door ECU 200, the electronicconnectors 160 to 180 and the auxiliary equipment modules 164 to 184.However, each of the auxiliary equipments may be arbitrarily adapted tobe driven by any of the door ECU 200, the electronic connectors 160 to180 and the auxiliary equipment modules 164 to 184. For example, theauxiliary equipments may be partly driven from the electronic connectors160 to 180 and the auxiliary equipments may be partly driven from theelectronic boards in the auxiliary equipment modules 164 to 184.Further, the auxiliary equipments may be partly driven from the doorECU.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As apparent from the above-description, the load type electrical partsincorporated in the auxiliary equipment modules are driven by theelectronic connectors having the communicating units, the control unitsand the load driving units mounted on electronic boards. Thus, thefunctions of the usual ECUs (electronic control units) for performing acentralized control can be distributed to standardize the respectivefunctions to individual functions. Consequently, for the increase andenhanced functions of the electrical load parts related to a door, theelectronic connectors can absorb the changes thereof to minimize theinfluence thereof to other electronic connectors, electronic doorcontrol units and wire harnesses.

Further, the electronic door control unit having a gateway function ofthe main bus and the sub bus converts the protocol of the control signaland transmits the converted control signal to the electronic connectors.Thus, the main bus and the sub bus can form a layered network. Forinstance, when the main bus uses a transmitting medium having a highspecification and the sub uses a transmitting medium of low cost, a lowcost can be realized while desired communication speed is maintained.

Further, the electronic connectors are directly connected to theauxiliary equipment modules. Thus, while the electronic door controlunit has been hitherto directly wired to the electrical parts in theauxiliary equipment modules, the electronic connectors directlyconnected to the auxiliary equipment modules may be wired to theelectrical parts. Thus, the wire harness can be simplified, the numberof lines of the wire harness can be decreased and the weight of the wireharness can be reduced.

Further, three wire harnesses of the power supply line, the GND line andthe exclusive communication line can form a lower order from theelectronic door control unit. Thus, the wire harness can be simplified,the number of lines can be decreased and the weight of the wire harnesscan be reduced.

Further, the control signal is superposed on the power supply line toperform a communication. Thus, the two wire harnesses of the powersupply line and the GND line can form a lower order from the electronicdoor control unit. The wire harness can be simplified, the number oflines can be decreased and the weight of the wire harness can bereduced.

Further, the electronic door system with which the door lock module andthe power window module are loaded in a standard form can be provided.

Further, the electronic door system with which the outer mirror module,the door lock module and the power window module are loaded in astandard form can be provided.

Further, the auxiliary equipment modules having load type electricalparts contained therein incorporate electronic boards on which thecommunicating units, the control units and the load driving units aremounted to drive the load type electrical parts by the electronicboards. Thus, the functions of the usual electronic control units forperforming a centralized control can be distributed to respectivelystandardize the functions to individual functions. Consequently, for theincrease and enhanced functions of the electrical load parts related toa door, the electronic connectors can absorb the changes thereof tominimize the influence thereof to other electronic connectors,electronic door control units and wire harnesses.

Further, the electronic door control unit having a gateway function ofthe main bus and the sub bus converts the protocol of the control signaland transmits the converted control signal to the auxiliary equipmentmodules. Thus, the main bus and the sub bus can form a layered network.For instance, when the main bus uses a transmitting medium having a highspecification and the sub bus uses a transmitting medium of low cost, alow cost can be realized while desired communication speed ismaintained.

Further, the plurality of electronic door systems and the LAN in thevehicle connected to the electronic door control units of eachelectronic door system form the harness system for the vehicle. Thus,for the increase and improved functions of the electrical load partsrelated to the door, the electronic connectors can absorb the changesthereof to minimize the influence thereof to other electronicconnectors, the electronic door control units, the wire harnesses andthe LAN in the vehicle.

1. An electronic door system, comprising: an auxiliary equipment module,provided on a door of a vehicle, and including an electrical parts whichhas at least one of a motor, a lamp, a heater, a sensor and a switch;and an electronic connector, connected to the auxiliary equipment moduleto drive a load type electrical parts which has at least one of themotor, the lamp and the heater in the auxiliary equipment module, andincluding: a communicating unit, receiving a control signal forcontrolling the driving of the load type electrical parts; a controlunit, generating a drive signal for driving the load type electricalparts in accordance with either the control signal received by thecommunicating unit or a signal inputted from the sensor and the switchin the auxiliary equipment module; and a load driving unit, driving theload type electrical parts in accordance with the drive signal generatedby the control unit.
 2. The electronic door system as set forth in claim1, further comprising an electronic door control unit, provided on thedoor, connected to a LAN in the vehicle serving as a main bus, andconnected to a sub bus connected to the electronic connector, whereinthe electronic door control unit converts a communication protocol ofthe control signal received through the LAN in the vehicle to acommunication protocol of the sub bus, and transmits the protocolconverted control signal to the electronic connector.
 3. The electronicdoor system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electronic connector isdirectly connected to the auxiliary equipment module.
 4. The electronicdoor system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the electronic door controlunit is connected to the electronic connectors by a power supply line, aGND line and a dedicated communication line as the sub bus.
 5. Theelectronic door system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the electronicdoor control unit is connected to the electronic connectors by a powersupply line and a GND line; and wherein the control signal is superposedon the power supply line as the sub bus, and is transmitted to theelectronic connector.
 6. The electronic door system as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the auxiliary equipment module has a plurality ofauxiliary equipment modules; and wherein two auxiliary equipment modulesof the auxiliary equipment modules is a door lock module and a powerwindow module.
 7. The electronic door system as set forth in claim 1,wherein the auxiliary equipment module has a plurality of auxiliaryequipment modules; and wherein three auxiliary equipment modules of theauxiliary equipment modules is an outer mirror module, a door lockmodule and a power window module.
 8. An electronic door system,comprising: an auxiliary equipment module, provided on a door of avehicle, and including an electrical parts which has at least one of amotor, a lamp, a heater, a sensor and a switch, and the auxiliaryequipment module including: a communicating unit, receiving a controlsignal for controlling the driving of a load type electrical parts whichhas at least one of the motor, the lamp and the heater in the auxiliaryequipment module; a control unit, generating a drive signal for drivingthe load type electrical parts in accordance with either the controlsignal received by the communicating unit or a signal inputted from thesensor and the switch in the auxiliary equipment module; and a loaddriving unit, driving the load type electrical parts in accordance withthe drive signal generated by the control unit.
 9. The electronic doorsystem as set forth in claim 8, further comprising an electronic doorcontrol unit, provided correspondingly to the door, connected to a LANin the vehicle serving as a main bus, and connected to a sub busconnected to the auxiliary equipment module, wherein the electronic doorcontrol unit converts a communication protocol of the control signalreceived through the LAN in the vehicle to a communication protocol ofthe sub bus, and transmits the protocol converted control signal to theauxiliary equipment module.
 10. A harness system for a vehicle,comprising: a plurality of electronic door systems according to claim 2;and the LAN in the vehicle connected to the electronic door control unitof each electronic door system.
 11. A harness system for a vehicle,comprising: a plurality of electronic door systems according to claim 3;and the LAN in the vehicle connected to the electronic door control unitof each electronic door system.
 12. A harness system for a vehicle,comprising: a plurality of electronic door systems according to claim 4;and the LAN in the vehicle connected to the electronic door control unitof each electronic door system.
 13. A harness system for a vehicle,comprising: a plurality of electronic door systems according to claim 5;and the LAN in the vehicle connected to the electronic door control unitof each electronic door system.
 14. A harness system for a vehicle,comprising: a plurality of electronic door systems according to claim 6;and the LAN in the vehicle connected to the electronic door control unitof each electronic door system.
 15. A harness system for a vehicle,comprising: a plurality of electronic door systems according to claim 7;and the LAN in the vehicle connected to the electronic door control unitof each electronic door system.
 16. A harness system for a vehicle,comprising: a plurality of electronic door systems according to claim 9;and the LAN in the vehicle connected to the electronic door control unitof each electronic door system.